The grant will fund the salary of a Young People’s Community Worker based at Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey to ensure that young people with cancer receive age-appropriate support throughout their cancer treatment and beyond.

The grant was marked by a visit by Ian Chandler, Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Surrey. Ian was given a tour of the ward by Lara Perkins, the Young People’s Community Worker funded by the grant.

Speaking of the visit, Ian said: “Visiting CLIC Sargent was a fantastic experience. Finding out about the work that Lara does every day to support young people whether they are a patient, family member or friend was truly uplifting. The facilities are world class and the staff were amazing. The Masonic Charitable Foundation are delighted to have made this donation to fund Lara’s work”

Kate Lee, Chief Executive at CLIC Sargent, said: “When a young person is diagnosed with cancer, their world is turned upside down overnight, and every aspect of their life can be affected. By funding the work of our CLIC Sargent Young People’s Community Worker for the next two years, the Masonic Charitable Foundation will make a huge difference to the lives of around 60 young people with cancer, and their families, enabling us to provide emotional, financial and practical support in a way that suits them.”

Every year, the Masonic Charitable Foundation – which is funded entirely by donations from Freemasons and their families – awards millions of pounds to charities that support vulnerable people, including those that help those affected by health and disability, and charities that support the education of disadvantaged children and young people.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer support charity for children and young people and their families. Its specialist teams provide practical, emotional, clinical, and financial support from diagnosis onwards for children and young people with cancer, and their families across the UK.